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NEWS FROM ST MARY'S CHURCH
Dear Friends

It's been 17 weeks since we were able to meet in St. Mary's to worship together! This week saw our very first service back after a long break, and you can read all about it further down.

Just a reminder that our Sunday services on 26th July and 30th August at 3pm are open to absolutely anybody, and our Thursday services are open to absolutely anyone over 18. 

We're not running a ticket system, but we'd love it if you could let us know if you're coming to the summer sessions so that we can make sure there are enough seats ready for everyone!

Praying for God's strength with you this week, and that He makes your situation a place of springs!

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84:5-7

PICTURE OF THE WEEK
This week a huge thank you goes out to the team (Robert, Phil, Simon, Graham, Tim, Philip and Rachel) that took on the hair-raising task of installing the new flagpole. They tackled not only the precarious job itself, but also rose to the challenge of doing it at a distance.

I'm sure, next time you visit, you'll agree that it looks very smart. Click below to see lots more great photos of how they completed this difficult feat.
More photos!

THURSDAY WORSHIP
Walking down Church Street on Thursday morning towards St Mary’s Church, the first service of worship since 15th March my thoughts turned to Psalm 100:4;

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."

The sights and sounds were so familiar the ringing of the Sanctus bell calling us to worship, doors open wide, an uncluttered church, pews marked out indicating a social distance space, flowers giving brightness and a cheerful welcome with the encouragement to use the hand sanitiser.

We gave a wave to faces we had not seen for so long except maybe on a screen. It was refreshing to hear the word of God quietly spoken with time to reflect on being together to worship in a different way (for now).

SUMMER SESSIONS: FAMILY WORSHIP

If you have children aged 0-11, Jonny, Lenny and friends would love to invite you to Summer Sessions: Family Worship on Sunday 19th July at 3pm at St. Mary's Church.

It's a great opportunity to remember God's faithfulness, say hello to each other and have some fun at the end of term!

Please let us know if you're coming by emailing office@stmaryscnorton.com and please read the safety info about the event by clicking below!
Summer Sessions: Family Worship

SUMMER SESSIONS
The Summer Sessions are our two church services on 26th July and 30th August at 3pm, and are open to absolutely anyone! This is a chance to get together, worship God, see some familiar faces, and see how church looks and works during this new phase.

We want to make sure there is enough space to seat everyone so we'd love it if you could let us know if you're planning on coming by emailing office@stmaryscnorton.com. 

Church will look and feel a bit different, so we've put together a handy checklist so that you know what to expect.
Summer Sessions checklist

LIGHTHOUSE LIVE
On the first week of the school holidays (27th July - 1 August) we'll be bringing a holiday club right to your house!

Collect a bag with a craft for each day, tune in twice a day to watch LIVE fun and games, and pick up any extras you need from the church porch.

Come to church on 19th July to find out more or email office@stmaryscnorton.com.

RULE OF LIFE TOOLBOX: GENEROSITY

As part of our sermon series we're providing our very own Rule of Life Tool Box brought to you by members of our own congregation.

This week Claire shares some of her thoughts on the practice of generosity.
Rule of Life Toolbox: Generosity

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
Sometimes we just need a few minutes of space and peace from the rushing world around us. Every Wednesday you're invited to take 10 minutes out of ‘normal’ life, to spend time pressing into Jesus with these midweek reflections.

I’ve called them Close Encounters because we can’t be close to people at the moment, but Jesus always comes very close indeed, breaking every distancing rule there’s ever been, as he looks at and loves each individual he meets. We’re going to eavesdrop on some of the meetings and give ourselves a chance to encounter Him too. I hope these will be a blessing to you.
-Martha
Close Encounters

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

The Way Under our Feet: A Spirituality of Walking by Graham Usher.

Walking is one of the simplest things we do as humans. It's how most of us experience life.

In The Way Under Our Feet, Graham Usher conveys how exhilarating it is to walk into the depths of our humanity. We become more ready to recognize the needs as well as the joys of others; we sift our thoughts; we seek to heal our battered world, even as we glory in the beauty of nature; we find ourselves accompanying with our three mile an hour God.

Recommended by Ursula.
The Way Under our Feet
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What's happening soon?

BCP Holy Communion Sun 21st Apr St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton More info
Sunday Service in Church Sun 21st Apr St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton More info
Welcome Lunch Sun 21st Apr The Parish Rooms More info
View the full calendar